Intel employees were thrilled to discover that they had all received a surprise $1,000 thank-you bonus from their employer at the end of 2009.

Parents enjoy this technology company's Family Fun events, held at least 55 times a year, at which they play games, watch movies and volunteer with their kids. More than 25,000 employees attended one last year, echoing the interest shown in other parenting programs, such as child-care fairs and lactation seminars. The Parents' Network holds quarterly meetings at all major sites, and its discussions are popular, too. Employees receive priority access to 15 near site child-care centers and may request backup care that's either subsidized or completely free, depending on their office location. Older kids are eligible for college scholarships of up to $4,000. Support for flexible schedules allowed at least 80% of employees to adjust their hours or telecommute at some point in 2009; another 25% (mostly plant workers) compressed their weeks. Anyone working fewer than 40 hours may join "80% and Under," a dedicated group for those with alternative arrangements.

CEO Paul Otellini

SVP, Director HR Patricia Murray

Women managers, senior managers and corporate execs 13%

Women among top earners 14%

Women on board of directors 27%

Women corporate executive hires in 2009 40%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year* 15%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year* Not tracked  

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement Not tracked  

Do formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance? No

*Percentages reflect number of women participants versus company’s total female workforce.